"It was reported to 911, but campus security didn't know for 7 minutes. We are now doing an assessment. (The school) has a police force that needs to function as a police force and we want to make sure the resources are there to do the job. I think these assessments will help us move forward," Cassano said.

The plan would include procedures to identify at-risk students and recognize and respond to students who may be at risk to themselves or others.

By January 2014, each school would have to form a threat-assessment team, and the security department would have to complete an audit of security systems, although funding for the audit was not included in the bill.

By July 2015, security plans would be reviewed and decisions made on what upgrades are needed.

State Rep. Roberto Willis, D-Salisbury, said she understands more steps may be necessary.

"I recognize some schools really could use additional support services. This will hopefully address some of those concerns," Willis said.

"UConn has trained its team in the past and is currently in the process of scheduling a nationally recognized expert to come to campus to provide additional training," O'Connor said.

However, her suggestion that behavioral intervention teams also be formed was not included in the bill.

"Since the mass murders at Virginia Tech, colleges and universities across the country have implemented some form of behavioral intervention teams. There are recognized best practices on the composition of such teams, and I am not aware any that recommend participation of students," O'Connor told the committee during a public hearing.